What To Do When Your Luggage Is Lost

You just landed on foreign soil and you’re standing at the baggage carousel eagerly waiting for your luggage. After watching various suitcases of all sizes and colors trickle in, the conveyor belt comes to a halt, but your bag is nowhere in sight. A sinking feeling settles into your stomach at the thought that your bags might be missing.

Fortunately, if your luggage is lost, there are steps you can take to get your bags back in your hands and even get reimbursed for related expenses. Here’s what to do when you arrive at your destination without your belongings:

• Take action immediately. This is essential to getting your lost luggage returned to you as soon as possible.
• Don’t leave the airport until you speak with an airline representative to file a claim for your lost luggage. Remember, the more detailed your claim is, the better, so be sure to provide a good description of your luggage — including the brand, color, size, and other important characteristics.
• If you’re on a layover, file a report with the air carrier that operated your last flight. Request a copy of the report, hold onto your luggage tickets, and obtain a follow-up phone number that you can call for updates. Some airlines will reimburse your checked baggage fees once your luggage is delayed for at least 12 hours after submitting your claim.
• Don’t hesitate to ask the airline for any toiletries or other items you may need. Airlines should be able to provide you with basic necessities to hold you over until they locate your baggage.

For more tips on how to recover lost luggage, see the accompanying guide below.

Guide created by Xcēd a ground support equipment leasing and rental company.

Author bio: Matt Weitzel is the lead marketing professional for Xcēd, an aviation ground support equipment leasing and rental company. He has more than 12 years of experience in the ground support industry.